HAWRELAK PARK’S PATROLLERS ARE BACK TO NORMAL LIFE

The birds over William Hawrelak Park in Edmonton can now return to their activities and usual diet. No more poutine, no more action sports show and back to a life of naps and wading by the lakeside. The FISE ended yesterday after 3 days of non-stop competitions and parties.   

Only the wind caused a little issue on MTB slopestyle. But safety first, the final was cancelled and the semi-final results were used to crown the Canadian Brett Rheeder, currently the best rider in the world when it comes to slopestyle.  

Luckily there was so much to watch on that beautiful sunday. The public was lucky to witness so much good action with a superb Skateboarding final where the little Frenchies Vincent Milou and Joseph Garbaccio stole the show to the north american favorites Ryan Decenzo and Greg Lutzka.

There was another french duo on top of their discipline here in Edmonton, Alex Jumelin and Matthias Dandois who went through an incredible battle in the BMX Flatland final. The originality and the risk taking that characterized Alex’s performance got the upper hand on Matthias’style and charisma. Alex Jumelin wins but Matthias takes the year end title, in the end everyone goes home happy…  

 

…Which is exactly what the FISE World Series are all about. Making people happy, bringing the show and promoting to the general public the values of such spectacular sports : respect, sharing, surpassing oneself. There was all of that and even more during the BMX Park competition. And the increasing stakes of this UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup will not change the good atmosphere reigning over the park.  

Just remember the support that the young Croat Marin Rantes received during his final run. Many wished he landed all his tricks to stay on the podium that was simply waiting for him ; it was not the case but the Redbull rider really proved we could count on him as one of the new outsiders we should be keeping an eye on. Brandon Loupos, winner in Denver, distinguished himself again and joins Nick Bruce and Colton Walker in the little group behind Logan Martin who got all of his consistency back this weekend. Never slipping off a pedal, he went for a multitude of impressive and flowing combos, transfers, innovative lines with speed, amplitude, suppleness and style, the Australian was not going to be defeated this weekend. On a mission to earn back his leader spot in the World Cup, he did not fail and will arrive confident in China next month to close this enthralling first ever UCI competition. 

He might go relax by the ocean, back home on the australian Gold Coast but we can be positive about one thing, the poutine is not his thing… Outstanding athlete with an outstanding clean lifestyle, he only has a sweet tooth for the adrenaline BMX has to offer. That same search for thrills was, as usual, shared by all registered riders in the competitions, from the professional stars to the anonymous amateurs. All these atypical sports enthusiasts have entertained, in the best way possible, the large Edmonton crowd. 

The city of Edmonton has welcomed with open arms this FISE World Series stopover. On these couple days of unwinding, we do not take much risk in saying that the event was a success, a real pleasure, equally for riders and organizers. We are all excited to come back next year to take a breath of fresh air in the River valley, move our bodies on Whyte Avenue, and so many other things to discover here. 

 

We can’t wait for next year !

 

Thank you Edmonton.

 

 

Words : Ben Bello

Photos : Cédric de Rodot